Lexus SC300-Any good as a track car?

problem with this car is that not powrful enough as track car. you can use supra suspension and brakes. at the end you still need more hp for heavy car like sc. i would look for other car such as rx7, s2000 and c5 vett.

 

Did they make them with manual transmissions? That would be my only concern. They are plenty powerfull and reliable.

 

5 speed was an option on the SC300. The Toyota inline-6 is bulletproof and easily upgradeable, and even if this car is an automatic it can be mated with a 5 or 6 speed from the Supra. There are a ton of upgrades for the entire car - the RWD setup makes them very popular as drift cars, but I have also seen them on tracks and at drag strips with insane single-turbo setups.

Probably not my first choice for a track car, but given the underlying circumstances, the project is definitely feasable.

 

220hp is plenty for track use? by the time you put manual tranny, n/a turbo kit and other parts, you are probably better off with different car. i know this because i had many supras.

good luck

 

yes toyota inline6 is great motors. but again n/a and turbo motors are little bit different. do some research on n/a turbo and other upgrades. you'll be close to 20000 for parts and labor if you decide to do this. i would pick up used rx7 and do simple mods and go to track.

 

Is there a class for this car ?

 

Can easily be made a twin turbo as it has the same basic engine as the Supra, F-Chat user Streetking has such a setup. That said I think it would be better as the ultimate sleeper/highway monster than a track car.

 

If you think High HP=track fun I think you're missing the point. The most fun I've ever had at the track was in my instructors 100 HP spec Miata. We're talking about a road track and not drag racing, right?

 

I have owned 2 of them, they're heavy and suspension is soft. would need a lot of work IMO.

 

Agreed! A Miata, Mini, or even a track prepped Mustang (lots of readily available parts) would be a better track car.

 

i don't think hp is only thing to have fun but i know lexus sc 300 is heavy car.

IMO, you can find better base than sc for scca.

 

Like an Elise!

 

Jack,

did you ever read the Skip Barber book? The part where they talk about saloon racing. It goes something like this: "If you like soft brakes, unprecise steering, unpredictable handling and low power, then saloon car racing is for you."

Knowing that you went through formula training and racing I just don't see you in this Lexus pounding the track. And if it is supposed to be any good you'd have to strip and mod the car. At that point you'd need to store it some place and trailor it to the track. Lots of logistics involved with that, particularly for a city slicker.

Since you're unable to shake the racing bug but are willing to spend some funds and probably still face the same logistical issues like I do, I'd strongly recommend to get a go kart and transport it in a Van/Minivan/SUV to the many tracks around our area. Alternatively there are even go kart racing series that are arrive and drive, so you wouldn't even have to deal with the kart.

PS: You know you have a standing invitation to come over and race virtually.

 

Funky stuff but for one lap in an Ex-Lauda Ferrari I'll carry the damn thing up the Eiffel tower!

 

No class for the car in SCCA, but NASA would let you run...

 

I think you would be much happier with the SC as a killer street car with a 63 or 67mm single turbo kit. Beware you would need to upgrade or swap the tranny for high HP though. The SC300 shares much with the awesome Supra I-6, although it is not as strong.

 

The SC could be a nice track car for a weekend racer, but I would not try to be competive in any series with it.

Get a MT SC300, buy a used Supra motor (2JZ) throw that in and get a system that puts 500+ to the wheels. Add great brakes, you will need them in a heavy powerful car. Then go crazy on the suspension and chassis!

 

Could be a good PACE CAR though...

 

Arent they Auto ? And heavy as **** ? Its like taking an old CL to the track..

 

Tracking a SC300 would be like taking a Cayenne Turbo S into the jungle...it's one of those "not that you would, but could" situations.